Lee Shenton is thinking about the future of Moab’s northern gateway, and he’s hoping that area residents are, too.

The county’s liaison to the Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) Project is encouraging residents to help develop a community vision of the old Atlas Mill site.

Cleanup work at the 480-acre property is expected to continue through 2025, depending on federal funding levels for the project. But Shenton said it’s not too soon to get started on the planning process that could determine future uses at the site.

That process is actually well under way, and next week, members of the public will have another chance to weigh in with their own ideas.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18. Shenton and others will be hosting a 6 p.m. public workshop at the Grand Center, 182 North 500 West.

Based on prior community feedback, the UMTRA Site Futures Committee has already developed a long list of possible uses for the property.

Some people would like to see a trail system, community park and amphitheater, while others envision new commercial development or a combined government office center. It’s also been mentioned as the perfect location for a shuttle hub that could serve nearby Arches National Park.

Shenton said it’s important to remember that all of these ideas are simply part of a wish list right now, since the property is still in the U.S. Department of Energy’s hands.

“One thing we don’t want to do is wait as a community until two or three years [are left] and then try to put it together,” Shenton said, adding, “This is a real opportunity for the public to participate in the planning process.”

For more information, contact Shenton at 435-259-1795, or email lshenton@grandcountyutah.net.

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